Defector Says North Korea Is Bullish on 2017 for Nuclear Program A senior North Korean official who defected to the South said the North hoped to take advantage of leadership changes in the United States and South Korea. Share: Facebook Twitter Google+ Stumble Digg Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to Facebook Related Posts:Europe Edition: Ransomware, George Pell, Confederations Cup: Your Thursday BriefingDeposed Saudi Prince Is Said to Be Confined to PalaceAmid Turkey’s Purge, a Renewed Attack on Kurdish CultureParents of Austin Tice, Held Hostage in Syria, Say He Is AliveThe Breakdown: Cardinal George Pell Charged with Sexual Abuse. Also: Uber Drivers Fight for Worker Rights.Ketumile Masire, Who Shaped and Led a Vibrant Botswana, Dies at 91